Joe Render

Virginia Lirosi

Curtis Ledet

The reason United Way exists is to help people through the rough spots so they can emerge stronger and more able to be independent. Meet just a few of the people you've helped with your support, including a mentally challenged young man who's overcoming obstacles to enter the world of work, an elderly woman who's gained a new lease on life, and a man who's reaching out for improvement by gaining new literacy skills.

Joe Render, a resident of one of Pioneer Center's group homes and part of the Job Placement Program, has shown that hard work pays off ! Joe initially participating in the Sheltered Employment program, in which clients perform job tasks for other companies: putting items together, quality control, packaging, etc. Next, Joe received job development support from Job Placement Services and found community employment at  Walmart.

In June 1996, Joe began working at the Holiday Inn and seems to have found his niche there. Joe is employed 20 hours per week as a dishwasher. He's also taken on the additional responsibility of the employee lunch room, making sure it's clean and well supplied. Because of his efforts, employees are now greeted with a sign that reads "Joe's Cafe."

At first Joe received job coaching services to learn how to operate a basic equipment, develop a routine, and keep busy even during quiet periods. Gradually, Joe's Job Coach faded from the site as Joe learned to rely on his own abilities. His supervisor says, "Joe is a good worker and I wish that I had ten more employees like him." Joe says of his job, "I like it!"

Perhaps the greatest proof of Joe's hard work came when he was named Holiday Inn's Employee of the Month. Joe has certainly shown that a person can overcome obstacles to achieve success.

I watched my mother, Virginia Lirosi, lose her interest in life when physical problems left her unable to walk. She couldn't do anything for herself. She didn't seem to care whether she was alive or not.

Then we got her to the Dayhaven program at Annie Schaffer Senior Center, a program funded by your United Way contributions. In eight weeks, my mother has regained her lust for life and can take care of her daily activities. She even sent back her wheelchair! The counselors at Dayhaven say that she would have ended up in a nursing home without treatment.

Your contribution to United Way helped give my mother her life back. Thank you. <

Curtis shared this information with his employer, who, wanting to help a valuable employee, personally went with Curtis to enroll in a tutoring program. Curtis was then matched with Judy Vesper, a long-time, enthusiastic volunteer tutor. They began meeting twice a week.

After five months his reading & computer skills improved dramatically. Curtis' employer commented on his marked improvement in filling out invoices and other job-related paperwork. Curtis is very excited about his success and committed to continuing with the program. He is grateful to his tutor, Judy, for the role she's playing in his achievements.